Iran and the United States have agreed to a two-week ceasefire following a period of sustained tensions, with Pakistan claiming to have played a mediating role. The agreement was reached after multiple rounds of talks. United States President Donald Trump credited China with persuading Iran to come to the negotiating table.
According to reports, China applied pressure on both sides with the stated objective of ensuring regional stability and safeguarding global trade routes, contributing to the implementation of the temporary ceasefire.
Pakistan’s Initiative and Role of Shehbaz Sharif
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held telephone conversations with United States and Iranian leaders in the lead-up to the agreement. On Tuesday, he posted on X, tagging Donald Trump, Vance, Rubio, Witkoff, and Iranian leaders, proposing a two-week ceasefire.
Pakistan stated that the Prime Minister made two requests: that the United States extend its timeline by two weeks, and that Iran keep the Strait of Hormuz open for the same duration. The initiative was described as facilitating progress in talks between the two countries.
China’s Pressure and Global Implications
United States-based reports indicated that China exerted pressure on both Iran and the United States to enable the ceasefire. The move was presented as contributing to regional security as well as stability in global oil supply and trade routes.
Experts stated that China’s involvement helped create conditions of trust between the two sides, which could support further negotiations.
